Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: India, China and Israel have given their consent to Nepal’s proposed ambassadors.
India has granted agrément to Dr. Nishchal Nath Pandey, Nepal’s proposed ambassador to New Delhi, within about two weeks of receiving the formal communication from Kathmandu, according to sources at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. India conveyed its consent on Thursday.
Besides Pandey, China has approved the nomination of Kalyan Raj Sharma, while Israel has given its consent to Suresh Kumar Karn. China conveyed its approval for Sharma a few days ago, while Israel had granted agrément to Karn a few days earlier, according to foreign ministry sources.
The ministry had formally communicated Pandey’s nomination to the Indian government on October 16 after his nomination was endorsed by the Parliamentary Hearing Committee.
The relatively quick response from New Delhi has drawn attention in diplomatic circles, particularly as Prime Minister Balendra Shah is preparing for a visit to India in the first week of December. Officials believe both sides may have expedited the process to ensure the presence of a new Nepali ambassador ahead of the prime minister’s visit.
Earlier, it took around three months for former Nepali Ambassador to India, Dr Shankar Sharma, to receive agrément, while Nilambar Acharya received it in about two months.
The government had recommended 13 ambassadors to different countries on September 18. The Parliamentary Hearing Committee endorsed 10 nominations, while two were rejected and one nominee withdrew his name.
The quick approvals from Nepal’s two largest neighbors have been viewed by diplomatic officials as a positive indication of their willingness to advance ties with the new government in Kathmandu.
Pandey is familiar with Nepal’s foreign policy, geopolitics and Nepal-India relations. His appointment comes at a time when the two countries have several important issues on their bilateral agenda, including energy trade, border disputes, infrastructure and connectivity, trade, transit and security cooperation.
Sharma, an academic familiar with Nepal-China relations and bilateral cooperation, is also proficient in Chinese. His appointment is expected to facilitate diplomatic engagement and development cooperation between Kathmandu and Beijing. Beijing is expected to invite Prime Minister Balendra Shah to visit China after his India visit.
The President will now formally appoint the three ambassadors. They will then have to present their credentials to the head of state of the receiving country before taking up their assignments.
Foreign ministry sources said preparations were underway to complete the formal appointment process for all three nominees who have received agrément.
